1 Corinthians 12:26
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.
In our physical bodies, there is genuine sympathy among the various parts. When one part hurts, the others empathise. So it should be in the church, beloved. There is no room for vendettas in the body of Christ. We cannot afford to be callous towards one another. Good Christians do not rejoice at others’ suffering or downfall (1 Cor 13:6). We don’t wish (or scheme) evil upon others. Nor do we ridicule, mock or cartoon colleagues in the family of God.
Instead, as godly believers, we must identify with others’ pain. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ep 4:32). Whether we know it or not, when one member suffers, we all do. That means the strength of a church is measured by its weakest member!
Likewise, when one member flourishes, so does the whole body of Christ. That is why there’s no room for envy or jealousy. Your success is our success and your struggle is our struggle. We win or lose together. In God’s kingdom, personal success at the expense of others is a myth. Sympathy, empathy, compassion and cooperation are hallmarks of genuine followers of Christ.
Pastor Josh